The Entry of Autistic University Graduates into the Labor Market in the Era of Generative AI: Their Concerns and Strategies Regarding the Technology. Research in Progress: The Entry of Autistic Graduates into the Labor Market in the Era of GenAI

Abstract

The rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is transforming the labor market, particularly in knowledge- and creativity-driven sectors. While GenAI enhances productivity among experienced professionals, it also accelerates the automation of entry-level positions, posing challenges for new graduates. This phenomenon is particularly significant for autistic individuals, among whom unemployment remains disproportionately high despite higher education attainment. The presented research-in-progress project investigates how autistic university students in Poland perceive the impact of GenAI on their future careers and what coping strategies they adopt in the context of increasing automation. The study employs a mixed-methods, cross-sectional, and longitudinal design combining quantitative surveys with in-depth interviews conducted over several years. Participants include autistic and neurotypical students from three disciplines: computer science, fine arts, and pedagogy, representing fields variably affected by GenAI. Research instruments include standardized scales of attitudes toward AI, anxiety measures, and a novel scale (AGAWA) assessing attitudes toward GenAI as a collaborator. We will also use a survey to assess the objective employment status and its dynamics. The project aims to identify patterns in the adaptation strategies of autistic individuals, their perception of GenAI-related risks and opportunities, and the long-term trajectories of their employment and job satisfaction. Findings are expected to inform educational and policy frameworks supporting autistic graduates' entry into the GenAI-augmented labor market.